Admiral Art McDonald steps aside as defence chief amid investigation

By News Staff

Posted February 24, 2021 8:44 pm.

Last Updated February 25, 2021 6:03 am.

OTTAWA — Admiral Art McDonald has stepped down as chief of defence staff pending an investigation by military police.

Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan says McDonald voluntarily stepped aside as chief of defence staff as he is investigated on unspecified allegations.

“I take all allegations of misconduct seriously and continue to take strong action on any allegation of misconduct that is brought forward. No matter the rank, no matter the position,” Sajjan said in a statement released Wednesday evening.

Sajjan appointed Lieutenant General Wayne Eyre as acting chief of the defence staff.

Sajjan says he will have no further comment at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Military investigators are probing allegations of sexual misconduct against McDonald’s predecessor, Gen. Jonathan Vance.

Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Fatal White Rock stabbing leaves victim's friends in shock
Fatal White Rock stabbing leaves victim's friends in shock

Friends of the man who was fatally stabbed in White Rock say they're in disbelief, after two violent incidents in as many days.

28m ago

Surrey claims B.C. knows SPS will cost $750M more than RCMP over 10 years
Surrey claims B.C. knows SPS will cost $750M more than RCMP over 10 years

The transition to the Surrey Police Service will cost $750 million more over 10 years than if the city stays with the RCMP, the city claims.

15m ago

Driver going wrong way on North Vancouver highway arrested
Driver going wrong way on North Vancouver highway arrested

Police in North Vancouver have arrested a suspected impaired driver caught going the wrong way on Highway 1 last week.

5h ago

Family of Indigenous man killed by RCMP officers in B.C. questions BCPS decision
Family of Indigenous man killed by RCMP officers in B.C. questions BCPS decision

The family of Jared Lowndes, an Indigenous man shot and killed by RCMP, wants charges considered against the officers involved in his death.

1h ago

Top Stories

Fatal White Rock stabbing leaves victim's friends in shock
Fatal White Rock stabbing leaves victim's friends in shock

Friends of the man who was fatally stabbed in White Rock say they're in disbelief, after two violent incidents in as many days.

28m ago

Surrey claims B.C. knows SPS will cost $750M more than RCMP over 10 years
Surrey claims B.C. knows SPS will cost $750M more than RCMP over 10 years

The transition to the Surrey Police Service will cost $750 million more over 10 years than if the city stays with the RCMP, the city claims.

15m ago

Driver going wrong way on North Vancouver highway arrested
Driver going wrong way on North Vancouver highway arrested

Police in North Vancouver have arrested a suspected impaired driver caught going the wrong way on Highway 1 last week.

5h ago

Family of Indigenous man killed by RCMP officers in B.C. questions BCPS decision
Family of Indigenous man killed by RCMP officers in B.C. questions BCPS decision

The family of Jared Lowndes, an Indigenous man shot and killed by RCMP, wants charges considered against the officers involved in his death.

1h ago

Most Watched Today

2:38
Drop in Vancouver home break-ins not reassuring to recent victim
Drop in Vancouver home break-ins not reassuring to recent victim

Even though break-and-enters in Vancouver are down overall this year, a woman who had a home break-in last month in the Fairview neighbourhood says she doesn't feel reassured -- and is moving her family away. Kier Junos reports.

19h ago

2:34
Surrey Police Service to take over from RCMP in November 2024: Province
Surrey Police Service to take over from RCMP in November 2024: Province

The government of B.C. says the Surrey Police Service will be the force of jurisdiction in Surrey starting in November. It comes years after the transition was initiated. Monika Gul reports.

19h ago

2:20
How doctors are affected by capital gains changes
How doctors are affected by capital gains changes

The Canadian Medical Association says doctors aren’t happy with changes to the capital gains tax. That's because many doctors are incorporated, and use their corporations to save and invest for retirement.

22h ago

3:06
Former Surrey gangster shares his story
Former Surrey gangster shares his story

A former gangster is speaking out to highlight the harsh realities of the gang lifestyle and its far-reaching consequences. Monika Gul reports.
2:36
The benefits of forest bathing
The benefits of forest bathing

Researchers at UBC say getting outside and immersing yourself in a forest can have real health benefits. As Angela Bower explains, forest bathing can alleviate stress and improve your mood.
More Videos